Kathy Bethany Email & Phone Number

Vienna, Va

Chief consultant to IP law firms, overseeing the implementation and management of software to automate IP prosecution. Work with dozens of IP practices to implement, train, manage and support their IP automation system. Manage and continually improve client service operations. Act as an escalation point to resolve difficult client issues. Created a comprehensive training curriculum for users and administrators. Collaborate with programmers to develop product requirements and enhancements.

Was instrumental in establishing the IP practice after it spun off from Akin Gump. Developed systems and procedures, chose new electronic law library vendors, re-implemented IPDAS automation system, and managed workflow for the newly formed practice. Once built, I managed and continually improved practice operations. Directly oversaw the secretarial and paralegal support staff of 17 employees, including the hiring process and performance management. Worked with the partners’ Patent Practice Committee on solutions to issues affecting the practice. Oversaw operations of docketing, paralegals, and secretaries, as well as other positions supporting the practice. Coordinated and resolved workflow issues. Managed all PTO accounts and resolved EFS Web issues. Developed and implemented solutions to PTO issues. As IPDAS Administrator, was responsible for incorporating IPDAS automation software into the practice and its ongoing management.

Responsibilities included filing patent applications and meeting formality requirements in the US, PCT and non-PCT countries, reviewing and updating docket information, and providing reports to the firm’s largest clients. Conducted quality assurance reviews of very large patent families to ensure compliance with Duty of Disclosure. Reviewed issued foreign patents and obtained information from foreign associates to audit docket records and report to client. Leader of Beta Testing and Development Committee for USPTO’s new patent Electronic Filing System (EFS Web). On this committee, I was responsible for researching, testing, and troubleshooting the new EFS Web system, and recommending the firm’s standards and procedures for approval by shareholders. Trained staff and created the firm’s Electronic Filing Procedures Manual.

Responsible for administration of IP docket using PC Master docketing program. Maintenance of database data and coding and rules file. Coordination of program updates with software vendor and firm’s Information Services Department. This was a full charge, paralegal-level position responsible for all aspects of managing the database

Various areas of corporate law including loan transactions, mergers and acquisitions, corporate and bank formations and securities.

Worked with attorneys practicing in the areas of electrical and mechanical intellectual property law.

Secretary to attorneys prosecution construction licensees.

Advanced from secretary to secretarial supervisor for state government agency providing services for the disabled.